TIME & PLACE:

Meeting January 29, 2003 at 7:00 PM at the Sam Lake House.

ATTENDANCE:

Kent Ruesswick, Chairman

Beth Blair
Kevin Bragg – Historical District Commission
Mike Capone – Selectmen representative
Charlie Cook
Bob Fife
Ken Jordan
Billie Richert
Jeremy Slayton
Ted West

MINUTES:

Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Copies of the Open House Town Building notice were distributed along with John Bouton’s CBNC Questions and Concerns from Public Meeting document. Beth started by reviewing with the committee members the write-ups she had received for inclusion in the church’s February newsletter.

Beth read what John Bouton wrote for newsletter that included the library trustees voted unanimously to support CBNC recommendations. Beth then asked if the committee wanted to put in anything. Jeremy gave her a fire department CPR notice. Kent suggested that Dale should put something in and Beth indicated she had not yet received a write-up from Dale. Kent said to put in that we are having another meeting and department heads will be there.

Kent asked Charlie if church will put something in newsletter about change in church property and Charlie said he could.

Ted asked do parishioners know about it and Kent asked how did it go. Charlie replied very well.

Ted said he spoke with Sue Holms; she is happy but not wholeheartedly; willing to move forward, however.
Beth asked if anything else plan for February? Kent stated we should include proposed plans in newsletter.

Mike stated if numbers were brought up you should update report based upon feedback to increase creditability. In last public meeting, a half dozen people were lost in hallway; they asked if there would be another meeting. He told them yes.

Kent suggested having another public meeting the end of February and closer to March 14 town meeting. We need someone from CBNC at each place during February 8 open house.

Mike suggested it might be in best interest to have CBNC committee member at each building for clarity.

Ted said it is a good thing to note – all kids of rumors when library was presented.

Charlie said it happened to him regarding pictures of buildings.

Mike said important to make sure message is consistent.

Kent asked if Mike wanted to be there during open house and Mike said he did.

Mike said that Ted had asked a question how Jim feels. We (Board of Selectmen) have another meeting. They are in support of but trying to get around numbers. Up to us (selectmen) how to package for monetary resources. Bond this year won’t kick in until 2004; but buy land this year. Recommend to board to buy land this year if bond is not passed; paid by taxes raised in 2003. We need to work on $2.07 – some meaning to it. Not really $2.07. Could be more or less. Must make numbers look right to make numbers more bearable.

Kent stated we could assume costs are going up 4-5%; also if interest rate goes up.

Mike stated if asked and push comes to shove, response is board should go along with your recommendation.

Bob asked about Budget Committee. Mike stated they are aware of numbers and proposal, but concern about overall impact.

Ken stated I won’t be here to answer questions on Open House Day. We need a commitment from the committee members to be there. Make the assignments. Also, John Bouton makes good suggestions here. We have three (3) opportunities for a bulletin to address these questions: open house, public meeting, and condensed newsletter in March. For example, John asks about abutter’s property. John did us a favor here by providing this in a question and answer format.

Beth asked if this document is to be handed out on the 8^th?

Ken – Yes.

Mike stated I think you’re right to address questions raised in the first meeting.

Discussion ensued on how best to present question and answers to towns people and how best to assign members to each building during the open house on February 8^th; and which work was included in proposed $2.5 million. Recycling center has almost $39,000 to spend on maintaining center and that the center should be included in the board’s report to the selectmen. It was important that Recycling Center not feel left out of overall plan and that board is addressing the building needs of the entire town. Kent agreed to call Heidi to clarify.

Clarification of proposed $2.5 million was discussed. Committee agreed we should suggest town approve $2.5 million bond with approximately $200,000 in capital reserve and monies already set aside to cover budget if it comes in over that amount after design. If project comes in less than $2.7 million after designed, $200,000 will be applied to project and bond will be reduced. Purchase of 5 acres at $83,000 is separate since town will purchase acreage regardless of approval of $2.5 million bond issuance. Ken to include clarifying text in Report to Selectmen to better describe which funds are already appropriated and budgeted for ongoing work.

Beth indicated there was still an issue of traffic at school with the proposed Municipal building site. Jeremy indicated it is a safety issue and need to ask principal to say it’s ok.

Kent stated he was happy with Report to Selectmen and we need to get it ready. Ken indicated he could have it ready by Friday.

Kent then asked for volunteers for the Open House on February 8^th and the following assignments were made:

Beth – floater
Kent/Kevin – Town Hall
Mike – Sam Lake House
Ted/John Bouton – Elkins Library
Charlie/Bob – Town Garage
Jeremy – Fire Station
Gordon – Police Station

Next public meeting to be held on Saturday, February 22, at Parish House from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.


The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.


NEXT MEETING:

7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at the Sam Lake Building.